REFUGEE SERVICES Presentation to the Social Services Advisory Board - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
REFUGEE SERVICES Presentation to the Social Services Advisory Board September 14, 2017 WHO ARE REFUGEES? DEFINITION Refugees are individuals who are unable to return to their country of origin because of persecution or a well-founded fear
nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. DEFINITION
THE REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS
Refugees arrive in San Diego – they are met by one of four local Resettlement Agencies (RAs) for Reception and Placement Services. The RAs ensure that basic needs are met, and knowledge and skills are built so clients may focus on finding employment, adjusting to life in the US, and becoming self-sufficient. (30 – 90 days of support) Within the first 30 days of arrival, refugees receive screening and health services from the Refugee Health Assessment Program. Refugees eligible for the CalWORKs Welfare to Work (WTW) program are referred to County service providers for employment services. Those that are not eligible for WTW, or those that self-refer & remain non-aided are also eligible for services for up to 60 months from date of entry. Single cases without children are referred to the County for public assistance including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. Families with children are referred to the County for public assistance including CalWORKs (up to 48 months of services), Medi-Cal, and CalFresh. Families without children are referred to Wilson Fish (WF). WF provides employment services, social and acculturation services, and case management (for up to 60 months of services) – along with Refugee Cash Assistance for up to 8 months.
3324 2519 4084 2557* 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 FFY 13-14 FFY 14-15 FFY 15-16 FFY 16-17
San Diego County Total Refugee Arrivals
County Total
Top Three Country of Origin for FFY 16-17
Iraq 33% Afghanistan 26% Syria 12% Remainder 29%
* Through August 2017
PROGRAMS FUNDED BY THE OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO REFUGEES
Employment & Retention
Employment Services Other Support English Language Training Case Management
with employment and acculturation services to support employment as soon as possible and/or upgraded employment (more hours, better pay, benefits)
conflict management strategies, communication skills and job-related life skills. Goals include improved employment outcomes, reduced conflict and improved health in the community
identify community issues that negatively impact health, safety and well-being and then work collaboratively to find solutions
TOP CHALLENGES FOR REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
Sustainable Employment Workshops Targeted Recruitment Leveraging WEX & EWE